6:32 AM Fri, Mar 20, 2009 | Permalink
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic
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2485 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
602-268-6868
Can't decide whether you're hungry for Chinese or sushi? No problem. At this friendly restaurant near South Mountain, you can have both. Although the name suggests you'll actually get a little bit of everything (meaning, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.), the menu is mostly limited to Chinese standards and way-out sushi, with a few Thai dishes thrown in for good measure. The decor reflects the restaurant's multiple personalities, featuring modern light fixtures, a Chinese wall scroll, pictures of Japanese geisha and a mosaic of the Western (not Chinese) zodiac. It all comes together nicely, however, to create a space that's trendy but comfortable. If you love Szechuan, you'll be disappointed here. Even the dishes with asterisks indicating heat aren't really very spicy. Nevertheless, fresh ingredients make them mighty tasty. You won't be disappointed in chicken lettuce wraps or shrimp spring rolls. Pan Asia pan-fried noodle -- a mix of vermicelli with shrimp, scallop, squid, broccoli and carrot -- is mild but terrific. Things get a little more whack on the sushi side of the menu, where the rolls are complicated and the presentations florid. For drama, you can't beat the Fire Roll -- a California roll with sauteed garlic shrimp and mayo, kiwi and eel sauces, the whole plate drizzled with Bacardi 151 and set on fire. And this side of the menu does provide some heat. Try the Yama Roll and you'll see what I mean. Nothing here will blow your mind, but the place is pleasant and the food's solid, making Pan Asian Sushi Chinese Fusion a great addition to its South Phoenix neighborhood. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Entering Pan Asia I had an immediate appreciation for the contemporary ambiance and smiling faces served up upon entering.
We planned to attend their 1/2 off "all items on the menu" night and was notified of the EXTREME wait of over an hour. In two different situations this estimate was a short pour, having waited over two hours and once dashing without dining.
A third visit would be fruitful with no wait at the door. The food was very good, however my entree came out about 20 min before my husbands sushi order. I waited to eat with him and my meal was cold. I understand this is their standard practice. Dinner chefs don't coordinate table service with Sushi chefs.
The tables were too high in height and the booths too short and I was uncomfortable. I am not that short at 5'6".
I don't think we will be going back.
The wait staff was friendly and on their game!